Happy (And Safe) Pride Month!

5 Jun, 2024 by Barry 8 Comments

The title of this post is a direct lift of the title of a post over on Filosofa’s Word. This post itself has been prompted by a comment made by a reader that has been gnawing at me ever since I saw it. The sentiments expressed give me cause to be concerned about the wellbeing of those who are trans. Originally I was going to reply to the comment, but as my comment continued to grow in length, I realised it deserved a post of its own. So below is my take on the matter.

I will provide a broad summary of my position and then go into detail on a few of the statements I see as being misleading:

1. Excluding the “T” from the LGBTQ+ acronym:
   • The acronym has evolved over time to be more inclusive. While it originally stood for “Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual,” adding the “T” (for transgender) recognises the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals.
   • Transgender people have historically been part of the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for their rights alongside LGB individuals. Excluding them would be counterproductive to the fight for equality and acceptance.
2. Pride Parades and Trans Children:
   • Pride parades celebrate diversity, acceptance, and love. They are not solely about sexuality but also about gender identity and expression.
   • Trans children exist and deserve support. Gender dysphoria is a real experience, and affirming care helps them live authentically.
   • The claim that “no child is born in the wrong body” oversimplifies a complex issue. Gender identity is multifaceted and not solely determined by physical characteristics.
3. Trans-ideology and Medications:
   • Gender-affirming care is evidence-based and supports transgender individuals. It includes counselling, hormone therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.
   • It is not about “Big Pharma” or plastic surgery. These treatments improve mental health and well-being.
   • The decision to pursue medical interventions is individual and not forced upon anyone.
4. Identity and Feelings:
   • Gender identity is more than feelings; it’s an intrinsic sense of self. It’s not merely about “identifying” as something.
   • A person’s gender identity may not align with their assigned sex at birth. Acknowledging this is essential for understanding transgender experiences.
5. Straight Allies and Pride:
   • Straight allies play a crucial role in supporting LGBTQ+ rights. Their presence at Pride events shows solidarity.
   • Corporations supporting Pride often do so genuinely, but it’s essential to hold them accountable for meaningful actions beyond marketing.

Now on to specifics:

“No child is born in the wrong body”

Many trans people recognize their gender identity from a young age. The feeling that they have the ‘wrong body’ often arises due to societal discouragement or punishment. When trans children are denied their true gender, it reinforces the notion that they are in the wrong body. It’s not that trans people want to change their gender because they believe they have the wrong body; rather, they believe they have the wrong body because they are denied the opportunity to express their gender in the body they have.

Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

Transgender Identity: Transgender individuals have a gender identity that doesn’t align with their assigned sex at birth. This internal sense of being male, female, or nonbinary develops independently of sexual orientation.

Sexual Orientation: Sexual orientation pertains to whom someone is attracted to on physical, emotional, and romantic levels. It is distinct from gender identity.

Transgender ≠ Homophobic: Being transgender does not imply homophobia. Transgender people, like cisgender people, can have diverse sexual orientations—being attracted to men, women, both, or neither

Transgender Children:

Early Awareness: Many transgender children express their gender identity from a young age. They may strongly identify as boys, girls, or nonbinary.

Stigma and Challenges: Transgender individuals often face significant stigma and discrimination. This can impact their mental health and well-being.

Staying True: As children grow older, their gender identity tends to remain consistent. It’s essential to listen to their feelings and support them without rushing to label 

Stigma Comparison:

Transgender vs. LGB: While both transgender and LGB individuals face challenges, transgender people often encounter additional barriers due to societal misconceptions and lack of understanding.

Unique Struggles: The journey of self-discovery and acceptance can be particularly complex for transgender individuals, especially when it comes to affirming their gender identity.

In summary: Transgender children often know their gender identity early on, and the stigma they face is distinct from that experienced by LGB individuals. Listening to their feelings and providing support is crucial.

Pride Month

Pride Month is about celebrating identity, acceptance, and the right to be oneself. While sexuality is a part of it, the broader focus includes gender identity, expression, and the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Autistic Pride Day’s inclusion (18 June) recognises that pride extends beyond sexual orientation—it encompasses all aspects of self, including gender and neurodiversity.

Given that autistic people are significantly more likely than their non-autistic peers to express non-conforming sexuality and gender identities, including Autistic Pride Day in Pride Month is entirely appropriate. For instance:

• Autistic adults and adolescents are approximately eight times more likely to identify as asexual or with an ‘other’ sexuality compared to their non-autistic peers.
• Autistic males are 3.5 times more likely to identify as bisexual compared to non-autistic males.
• Autistic females are three times more likely to identify as lesbian compared to non-autistic females.”

My perspective

Many Polynesian societies, including the Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand, have long recognised that gender isn’t binary—well before the advent of “big pharma” and plastic surgery. New Zealand has been a pioneer in progressive policies, enabling individuals to self-identify their gender on official documents like driver’s licenses, passports, and, more recently, birth certificates. Importantly, there’s no need for medical procedures such as surgery or hormone therapy; a statutory declaration suffices.

In fact, the majority of trans people in New Zealand do not undergo “bottom” surgery due to its limited availability within the country. The National Council of Women in New Zealand, a prominent women’s organisation, unequivocally supports gender equality, including for trans and gender non-conforming individuals. They affirm that trans women are women and trans men are men.

New Zealand’s trailblazers, like Georgina Beyer — possibly the world’s first openly transgender mayor and Member of Parliament—have championed these rights. Their legacy underscores the importance of recognising diverse identities and advocating for human rights, including those of women, children, and the trans community.

Colours intertwine,
Love blooms fierce, unapologetic,
Pride in every hue.

(This post was prepared and edited with assistance from Copilot)